Echono, Fawehinmi Demand Merit-based Vice-Chancellors’ Selection

The executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has craved for a merit-based system in the appointment of vice-chancellors in federal universities.

Echono, who stated this in a public lecture on “Research Findings” at the Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja yesterday. He warned that political interference in leadership selection undermines academic excellence, institutional stability and good governance in the tertiary education sector.

The Abuja Leadership and Governance Centre organised the lecture with the theme, “Leadership Selection Process and Governance of Federal Universities in Nigeria (1993-2024).”

Earlier, the vice-chancellor of the University, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, emphasised the need for academic leadership, institutional reform and merit-based governance in Nigerian universities.

He raised concerns about governance challenges in the university system, warning that some councils are beginning to politicise the process of appointing vice-chancellors.

Echono noted that political considerations can affect governance, academic excellence and institutional development of the Universities.

According to the findings he presented while delivering the lecture, there is a strong positive correlation between transparent and inclusive leadership selection processes and effective governance in federal universities.

Echono’s presentation found that institutions that embrace accountability, stakeholder participation, and transparency tend to enjoy greater trust, improved governance structures, and stronger institutional performance.

He said, “The research clearly demonstrates that transparent and inclusive leadership selection processes are critical to effective governance in our federal universities. Institutions that prioritise accountability and stakeholder engagement consistently record better governance outcomes and stronger institutional stability.

“Where leadership appointments are conducted openly and fairly, universities are better positioned to achieve their academic objectives, strengthen public trust and foster a culture of excellence.”

He also said that leaders who emerge through credible, inclusive processes are more likely to introduce policies that encourage research, strengthen collaboration among scholars, and create enabling environments for teaching and learning.

The Executive Secretary noted that Federal Universities that engage students, faculty members, alums, and other stakeholders in leadership selection processes demonstrate greater commitment to social responsibility and ethical governance. Such engagement, he said, strengthens the legitimacy of leadership appointments and fosters a sense of ownership among university communities.

However, the research presentation identified political interference, nepotism and corruption as major obstacles to effective governance in federal universities. According to him, these challenges continue to erode the integrity of leadership selection processes and negatively affect institutional performance.

Echono stated, “Political interference, nepotism and corruption remain among the greatest threats to good governance in our universities. When leadership appointments are influenced by factors other than merit and competence, the entire institution suffers.

“Universities must be protected from undue external influence if they are to fulfil their mandate of producing quality graduates, conducting impactful research and contributing meaningfully to national development.”

To address the identified challenges, the TETFund boss recommended the establishment of clear and standardised guidelines for leadership selection across federal universities.

He said policymakers should develop and enforce transparent procedures covering appointment processes, qualification requirements and stakeholder participation.

He also advocated making these guidelines publicly accessible to ensure that students, academic staff, alums, and members of the public understand the criteria and procedures governing leadership appointments.

Speaking on accountability, Echono recommended regular independent audits of leadership appointments and governance practices to ensure compliance with established regulations.

He also called for effective feedback mechanisms that allow stakeholders to report grievances and concerns related to leadership selection processes.

On his part, the Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre, Professor Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman, said TETFund established the centre to advance leadership excellence in the country.

According to him, the lecture aims to reverse the long-standing practice of neglecting intellectual works, while commending the Vice-Chancellor for restoring peace and stability to the university within a short period.

The lecture also featured a dialogue in which experts discussed the challenges of leadership selection in universities and possible ways to overcome them.